Are you happy with your breed/dog choice?

[TexasRanger]

My parents dog, Zane, I love, but he has sooo many temperament issues that I 'm leery of getting another pit or pit mix.

Abby is sweet, but as she has aged her prey drive and moodiness have increased. I would take another GSD or Boxer mix if I could find one without the extreme prey drive (she has killed a stray cat and so she is now sperated from all cats).

Deputy, I wish I could clone him. He is sweet, gentle and would not hurt a fly. Not sure exactly what he is, vet thinks he might be Anatolian X Lab.

Kieber, ask me in a few years. When he has his sane moments I love him, otherwise he's like an ADHD, Autistic child on crack.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

Yeah... I kind of like Finkies

I definitely think they are the breed for me. I plan on owning at least one at any give time. They are wicked smart, have such huge personalities, are athletic, and pretty biddable (for me anyways LOL). I never plan on getting another older dog, though, as I can definitely see a "gap" in learning from Pen and Bubby to Kimma and Jari. Just takes a lot more time for things to sink in with the older two. That being said, they are all wonderful dogs in their own rights.

Technically I was Jari's breeder, so I'd say he's a good match for me. Kimma was picked out kind of by us (we liked her markings!) and the breeder agreed she'd be a good fit for us once they got around 7 weeks. We didn't anticipate the fear issues, but we've worked through so much it's OK now. I wouldn't be a dog trainer at all if it weren't for that girly.

Pen was sort of picked out by the breeder. I just had to go meet Pen with Kimma and they got along so we took him right home. Bubbles was a bit different, as I just wanted a female to show (though I had coveted Bubbles for like 9 months before I got her hahaha). We went through 3 girls and Bubby was just it. Sweet as pie, exactly what I was looking for conformationally, and she got along so well with Pen and Kimma.

For my next dog, I'm going with a Buhund I think. Mostly so I can get experience handling another type of dog, but without going out of my comfort zone of a Spitz breed LOL. Aiming for 2 or so years from now, but the breeder knows what I'm looking for in a sports prospect so it might end up being earlier if the right female puppy comes along.

 

[GatorDog]

I love just about everything about GSD's, but I am completely infatuated with Carma in particular and I know that in future dogs, I will have the hardest time comparing them to her. I plan to stay with GSD's or maybe try Malinois again at some point, but Carm has set the bar pretty high for me.

 

[casey82]

Yes. I'm 100% happy with my dog. He wasn't at all what I was looking for when I got him but, he's been a fun, fun little dog. Good toy drive, good food drive, loves to learn. He's been awesome! I'll definately have another cocker but I may go field bred next time.

 

[Southpaw]

I will always have a boxer. I've just loved every one that I've met. Juno was veryyyy difficult for me when she was younger but she turned out excellent. Probably she was not really the right fit for me but I made myself fit her. Wouldn't change a thing!

I could see myself with another doberman. Maybe. Cajun is the only dobe I've ever actually interacted with so I don't really know how much of her is typical dobe or just... Cajun. But she is like the sweetest, sappiest, most enthusiastic dog.... who loves to push my buttons. Also she's made me think Craigslist ain't such a bad place to get a dog!

No intention of getting another Lucy-type dog ever. I didn't want that type to begin with lol. She's an okay dog just... yeah not my thing.

Happy is hard to judge as a senior rescue. As an individual she's not my type. I probably wouldn't do something like this again in the ffuture. But it hasn't put me off BC-type dogs.

 

[stafinois]

I'm guessing I'll always have Malinois because I can't imagine life with anything else.

 

[Kootenay]

Obviously we all love our dogs, but for those of you who chose a specific breed (or breeds), are you happy with your choice?

Overall I have no regrets with what I've chosen so far but might do things a bit differently now if I had to do it over again.

Jasper is great and I love him, and I like having him around, but I wouldn't seek out another Collie again, I don't think. Or if I did sometime down the road, I would try to find a breeder who actually still used their dogs for some kind of work. Jasper isn't the sharpest tool in the shed and training can be frustrating, and overall he just doesn't have much working ability (he goes crazy for things like objects thrown into the water - to bark at not retrieve - and chasing BIRDS, but he doesn't have much in the way of harness-able drive, and trust me I've tried). But in a way he's my easiest dog, so I do appreciate that.

Yarrow, well I love him to bits and wouldn't trade him for the world, and I adore certain things about him, but he has massive challenges that I sure wouldn't seek out again. Not to say I wouldn't get another ANCD (depending on how they progress as a "breed"), I think I would always like to have one huge wolfy beast around, but I might try something different next time like a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or a well bred low-content wolfdog. He's not my "type" at all, personality wise, so I wouldn't want to have ONLY him, but as a second (or third) dog, he fills a niche for me. It's like he's my lapdog, only he's nearly 100lbs He's so pretty that it kind of makes up for the wringer he puts me through occasionally!

Onyx I would get again in a heartbeat. I will always have to have a Malinois now (though I might try a dutch shepherd at some point). She is not perfect by any stretch, and she presents many challenges, but in a way I like that. I know the things that I love and things that I will try to avoid next go-round, but overall she has exceeded all my expectations. We just have so much fun together, and though I adore my other two, my bond with Onyx is stronger, I think just because of all the stuff we can do together (that my other two aren't interested in). I love how completely devoted she is to me!

 

[*blackrose]

I would say I'm very happy with my choice. I'm fairly certain I am a sporting dog person at heart. (The exception I make is for Rottweilers, and I'd love to own one at some point, but with as picky as I am about type AND contract agreements, it will likely never happen.) And of the sporting breeds, a good retriever has my heart. I don't go head over heels for every one I see, but a *good* one...yes, please.

I'd have another Chessie in a heartbeat. Preferably one that is not as extremely loud about every potential strange-thing as Abrams is (he's a bit dramatic...), but I've loved every bit of him. I am especially pleased that I chose to purchase a dog that does have that protective instinct (even if he is over the top about most things), versus a happy loves everyone type dog. When Michael is gone and I'm by myself, I feel much more secure having a loud, imposing dog.

That being said, I can only handle one protective dog at a time, so I think my perfect pair would be a Chessie and a Labrador. Honestly, those are probably going to be my default go to breeds.

 

[Paviche]

I know I rave about Rowan frequently, but it's because he honestly is SO perfect for me. There has literally never been even a moment where I regretted adopting him, which is funny because I was utterly disinterested in him based on his bio on the rescue site. I wish he was reliable off leash, and I wish he was friendlier with other dogs. Those are my only two gripes and in the long run they really don't matter. Neither one impacts our lives significantly.

I will have more Brittanys. I was on the fence for a while, because Rowan is just so perfect, how could another Brittany live up to expectations? But the more I meet, the more I realize I just genuinely like them across the board, and that Rowan just has something extra special.

That being said, I have met some Brittanys I wasn't terribly fond of. I will be careful about what sort of dog I get by either evaluating temperament and suitability (for a rescue) or spending a lot of time around relatives (for a breeder.) Some a Brittanys have this... overflowing energy, where they are perpetually in motion, and I really dislike that. One thing I love about Rowan is how freaking stable he is. Nervous energy puts me on edge.

Riff... oh Riffers. Riff was NOT what I was looking for in a dog. I was looking for another Rowan, basically, one who stuck closer naturally and maybe had a bit more energy. Riff is not that dog and I think that's why it took me so long to bond with him. I couldn't see past my expectations and appreciate him for who he is, not who I wanted him to be. (Not to mention that he was an absolute NIGHTMARE of energy and anxiety the first month or two.)

Riff is nervous, he's afraid of strangers, he doesn't adapt well to change, he's very high energy, and he's not the brightest bulb... basically the opposite of Rowan. But what I've come to not only appreciate, but love about him, is his personality. Once he's comfortable with a person, he's the silliest, bounciest, dorkiest dog ever. He makes me laugh every day. He's not intelligent like Rowan, but he tries REALLY hard and I appreciate that in him. He just wants to please. He's so good natured. He's 3 1/2, but he's still such a puppy - I think he's permanently puppy-brained. I adore him.

To be honest, I'd be very reluctant to go the private rehome route again. I'm sure that isn't usually the case, but they were not up front with me about his issues, and after the first month or so they cut off contact. Had I known what I was getting at the time, I wouldn't have adopted him. I would have a hard time trusting someone to be forthright with me now.

 

[Dizzy]

Bodhi is mostly perfect, but she's one of a kind, so... It's not like I can replace her. She's just got the balance right.

GSPs - yes very happy. However, Fred is not the dog I dreamed of. He's amazing, and I love him. But he's actually a bit thick, a bit soft and a bit too easy lol!! He's certainly not the most challenging GSP, it could be his show lines coming through, but he's also from working stock so I don't know. He's just a big dollop... I don't find him challenging enough, and he doesn't always have that GSP mania that I'm actually quite attracted too I know I want a dog with a bit more..... Ferocity. I'm still likely to get another GSP, I've been round a lot and I love them all. I also find them extremely aesthetically pleasing.

I say all this, and in the back of my mind I'm aware many people (joe public) would probably find Fred quite full on for a dog LOL. He can't sit still in formal environments (eg, waiting for his 'turn' in training class is just hell for him, he has to be occupied or he Roos at me, or tugs his lead or fidgets... Whilst all the others lie down nicely). He will settle in the house, but you can tell if he's had a quiet day - he will bark in your face to play lol. He's into EVERYTHING - he has to sniff and be involved in every activity going.... Just to check it out, make sure he's not missing anything. He does need a lot of direction (no fred is heard often here).

But for a GSP, he's pretty tame I think.

Next one I want to be bouncing of the walls mad :rofl1: which I may regret

There's lots of other dogs I want..... I just don't know when I'd have the time for them, as I'd have to sacrifice a dog slot.... If that makes sense.

 

[-bogart-]

NO.


My current dog was dumped on us by an ingrate of a kid , He is a ACDxLab and to much for what I can do right now. I feel bad that another more doggy household did not get him. He would make a fantastic sport dog. I just do not nor will i have the time for him. The kids take care of him and I just buy the food. We hang out occasionally and all but he is a family dog i was forced into.

After a lot of wishy washy and reading and asking about . My next breed I will own will be a Boston Terrier. The kids next dog will be a English Mastiff for the boys and a Fluffy white mix for the girls. No thing will be bought before 2017/2018 at the earliest when the girls are 10 and the boys teens.

 

[BostonBanker]

I'm not even sure how to answer the question. I adore both of my dogs beyond reason, and the issues we've encountered have simply led me down the path to where I am now with dogs, and that is all good. I can say that neither are exactly the agility dog I hoped to get - but I also wouldn't be the agility trainer I am without having them.

If I were going to add another dog to my life right now, I wouldn't do a rescue, which is a pretty big departure for me, and a relatively new development. But I don't know if it is because I'm unhappy with the choices I've made. Or just the next step in the journey. If that makes sense?

I'd like Gusto to not be broken; but would I not have wanted him in my life if it meant I'd have a physically sound dog instead? No. He's Gusto. How could I regret all the things he gives me, because I'm going to be heavily managing his joints for the rest of his life?

 

[Ozfozz]

those of you who chose a specific breed (or breeds), are you happy with your choice?
Cobain - yes absolutely. He's everything I wanted in a dog.

Oz - Absolutely NOT. Beagles are not for me.


Would you do it again?
If Cobain's breeder kept up with his "type" I would go back in a heartbeat. I may have actually gotten another pup instead of Rigby at the time.


Those of you with rescues or rehomes, are you happy with your choice in dog?
Both Rigby and Ruby were impulse decisions.

I can say with relative certainty that Rigby wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for me. Because of that I tend to lean toward "yes I am happy." However, she's been a challenge. She's not the dog that I had really hoped for. But she's also taught me a ton in terms of dog behaviour and training, which I am thankful for.

Ruby is a nice little dog, suitable for my parent's household.


Even those that did buy from a breeder, do you think the dog you ended up with was a good match for you (whether you chose or your breeder did)?

Cobain, yes. I chose him at 2 weeks old with the only restriction on the litter being that the black and white female was spoken for.
He's been very easy and very forgiving of my training progression. I'm not sure how the others turned out, but many I have met from the same breeder have not been quite like him.

 

[Julee]

Obviously we all love our dogs, but for those of you who chose a specific breed (or breeds), are you happy with your choice?

I have not chosen any dogs for myself, ever. However, I did want an APBT. I got Bloo at a totally weird and wrong time in my life, but hey, it worked out alright. I did not choose Bloo, or the timing, but she's a pretty cool dog.

Would you do it again?
Shadow, no.
Em, a thousand times over.
Copper, yes. I'd prefer to have gotten her either when she younger or at a different time, but she's great.
Bloo... again, I really wish I had gotten her at a different time in my life. I love her to death and wouldn't change a thing.

Those of you with rescues or rehomes, are you happy with your choice in dog?

Didn't choose any of my dogs. The closest was the decision to adopt PuppyEm, and I'm beyond thrilled with it.

 

[Psyfalcon]

No more herding dogs. Too loud, too reactive. Too neurotic in a lot of the rescue ACD or BCs. I'd kind of maybe like a quiet Aussie or a ES, but not before it has something to herd around.

Labs are fun, it would be more fun if mine didn't want to brawl over tennis balls so that she could go swimming more often. Of course it is nice to have a dog you can take swimming in December.

I like how handler focused the herding dogs are, even retrievers aren't in the same way, but I still want a big fluffy nordic dog. I will miss that handler focus though.

 

[yv0nne]

I am beyond thrilled with my little Vizzy.. even though sometimes it seems like I want to string her up by her oversized ears! She has not been a challenge at all other than the agility ring. And that's a stressing issue so I can't blame the poor girl. I'm stressed sometimes too!
100% would do it again. I will never let a day go by that I don't have a Vizsla in my world. She makes every day better by being the most hilarious, sweet& forgiving creature in my life. I think she just makes everyone have a better day when they meet her!

My breeder was brilliant in picking out the pup for us. I wanted high energy, bold, brave& chaotic. I definitely got that! And while some days I regret picking the energy level I did, she also does settle remarkably well in the house. She wants to runrunrunrunsnuggle. And I wouldn't trade it for the world!

 

[Red.Apricot]

I love Elsie to pieces; she's my dog to her core, and I'm so grateful for that. She's perfect for me. If I could just have Elsie forever I would, and I'd do it again without hesitation. My breeder did a great job matching us up; I don't think there'd be a better partner for either of us.

I love Belgians, too--I would be perfectly content with them forever, I think. I love the community, too.

 

[JordanWalker]

I am happy with Max, he is a chocolate Labrador. He is a challenge to me sometimes but I love him very much. I can't imagine my life without him by my side. By the way, I got him as a birthday present .

 

[pinkspore]

Those of you who chose a specific breed (or breeds), are you happy with your choice?
Yes! Brisbane is only half ACD, with bully/spaniel on the other side, but with all of the temperament, personality, drive, and instinct of a proper heeler. He has drive through the roof, herded sheep like a pro the first time he saw them, and is scary-smart. He is also a terrible dog. I love terrible dogs.

Ru...is a chihuahua. He was a totally unplanned acquisition, but if we hadn't taken him he would have been messily devoured by coyotes. It's nice to have an easy lapdog that I don't have to worry about, but I doubt I would get another chi unless it had a little more real-dog spunk. Ru is such a baby.


Would you do it again?
I would get Brisbane again in a second, reactivity and all. While I was planning to get a sports dog, instead I got an amazing education in training and behavior. I like to say he is simultaneously the best and worst dog I will ever own. I wish his structure was less or a trainwreck, but even that has been helpful since it led me to actually learn about structure so I would know what people were talking about when they exclaimed that he was stick-straight in both the front and rear.

Ru...he makes a great Barbie-doll stuffed animal dressup dog. He's a hilarious fashion accessory, and I even learned to knit in an ongoing effort to keep him warm enough. I call him my emergency backup dog. I'm not sure I would do it again though, there's just not that much I can do with him when he is more motivated by external sources of heat than by food or toys. I could have gotten an iguana or something.

My next dog will definitely be an ACD shelter-pull or Craigslist find, I have an awesome network of rescue friends to help me find the perfect dog, and I can foster along the way.

 

[Oko]

Obviously we all love our dogs, but for those of you who chose a specific breed (or breeds), are you happy with your choice?
Yup, I don't think I could have a better match than Feist.

Would you do it again?
Maybe, I'm not sure yet and not really planning on another dog for a long while. I do know the more border collies I meet, the less I like the breed as a whole. If I do get one, it will be from very particular lines. Not necessarily related to Feist, I'd probably try to stay away from being related closely, actually, so I wouldn't compare. I'm also interested in a lot of other breeds. And yeah, I don't want to go into getting another dog and wind up in a situation where I compare another BC to my perfect girl.


Even those that did buy from a breeder, do you think the dog you ended up with was a good match for you (whether you chose or your breeder did)?
Yes, 100% perfect for me.